SPOGA 2009

Cathedral of Cologne

Kölner Dom– This photo was taken right before boarding the train to Amsterdam. It was undergoing some preservation works, it being really old and being named a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 1996. For more information on this magnificent piece of architecture, click here.

So what brought us to Cologne? It was the venue of SPOGA  2009 (and SPOGA Horse, that was staged simultaneously). Trends? In this show, there were still a lot of wicker furniture.

So it was not surprising to see Viro as an exhibitor. For colors, earth colors like beige and cappuccino abound. Lilac, green and orange provide just the right kind of bright pops of colors. In fact, it was a surprise to see the Sunbrella booth all done in lilac and gray. We also found two exhibitors from the Philippines. One of them was Agile Stone, a manufacturer based in Cebu using stonecasting for furniture and accessories. Check out their website for more information on their products.

Maison et Objet Indoor_Outdoor 2009

Color Trends: Orange and Feiry Pink

The color purple? As seen at the Exhibition grounds. "Nomadic chic"-- this is how the trend is described.

It was Sept 5. The weather was “perfect” as the Europeans described it. It was sunny and cool at the same time. Paris Nord Villepinte was packed. After a few international trade shows this year, this was a pleasant surprise. The exhibition was huge and vibrant, with brands like Gloster, Kettal,  and (surprise!) Fendi. A lot of whites traditionally used for the indoors but in this show, on many outdoor furniture and accessories. The theme was bringing the indoors–the comfort and style—to the outdoors!

Later, went to Lamorlaye, a darn pretty village in northern France. It was a short drive from Radisson SAS (near the Charles de Gaulle) about 30 minutes. The drive was leisurely, with tall, slender trees far and near. Really lovely!

Modern apartments of Lamorlaye at daybreak

 

P.S. This is totally unrelated to Paris but Pauline just gave birth to a bouncing baby boy, 7.11 lb bundle of joy. Congratulations to Serge and Pauline.

AIFF Picks (Part 2 of 2)

DOD <3 The Metal Lamp!

 

(Red, fiery and fun, this makes a great valentine’s present for lovers of design and whatnot. Happy Valentine’s Day everyone. )

 

METAL PETAL Table Lamp

Winner, THE EDGE 2009 Commercial Award for Best New Release by Kristian Aus

Autumn Products

NSW Sydney

Phone: 02 9566 4380

Mobile: 0407 952 643

Email: contact@autumnproducts.com.au

URL: www.autumnproducts.com.au

 

An important category (read: commercially viable!) the winning Metal Petal Table Lamp can be oriented in several ways to allow the user greater control over the level of light. Made with powder-coated steel, it is designed for easy moving and repositioning. It is designed by Kris Aus of Autumn Products, a small, Sydney based design consultancy that aims to produce work that is fun and provokes a smile.

Kris makes pieces that bring a fresh take on traditional objects to the marketplace. Another entry from Kris is the Anemone (shown below),  a stool that doubles as an ice bucket, umbrella stand or as general storage. The works appeal to the design minded and to the everyday person. In general, the products are friendly, approachable and curious in terms of style, texture and materials.

AIFF Picks (Part 1 of 2)

THE EDGE at the Australian International Furntiure Fair was truly an inspiring experience. As promised, here are some of the winners of the Awards (Thanks Uli Hasel!):

 

STACK-IT Stool

Winner THE EDGE 2009 Concept Award for Best New Prototype by Luke Leenders

Bach Industrial Design

NSW Glebe

Mobile: 0401 249 196

Email: luke_leenders@yahoo.com.au

 

Since his graduation in 2003, Luke Leenders has been working for a Sydney based joinery company. In his spare time, he designs and constructs furniture prototypes, including chairs, stools and light fittings. Recently, Luke has been using computer aided manufacturing techniques such as CNC routing to develop design prototypes.

 

Stack-It Stool, (one of DOD’s faves!) requires minimal components, no screws or glue. The design is said to be compatible with any sheet material, e.g. recycled plastic, eco-ply. A flat-pack- design that nests efficiently. Made Down Under by designer and is available from the designer.

 

TABLE AND SEATS

Winner, THE EDGE 2009 Student Award for Best New Work by a Student, Jacob Wong

Lidcombe TAFE

NSW Sydney

Mobile: 0416 724 888

Email: Jacobi.designs@yahoo.com

 

Jacob Wong is a Furniture Design student at Lidcombe TAFE. These pieces are made from GVA White Birch Plywood, foam, and fabric. (Actual photos of the prototypes will be available next week. But since we wanted this out, we show you the rendition. It is the concept that counts!)

ZEOPOD.01 Pouf

Winner THE EDGE 2009 Green Award for the Most Sustainable Product by Wilma van Boxtel

Deseos Design

WA Swanbourne

Phone: 08 9384 6610

Mobile: 0431 919 632

Email: Wilma@deseosdesign.com

URL: www.deseosdesign.com

 

ZEOPOD.01 is a low seat made of biodegradable plastic. The shape is inspired by natural seedpods. There are two sizes, medium 620Ø and large 720Ø. Zeoform (Zelfo), eco-foam, eco-wool. Made in Australia by Zeoform and is available from www.deseosdesign.com.

 

Wilma van Boxtel is a Dutch industrial designer who has made Australia her home. Deseos Design, Wilma’s business, specializes in developing attractive and functional products for commercial success while using sustainable practices.